A few months ago, DC announced that all of their April New 52 covers would be “WTF Certified” – in English, that means gatefold covers that revealed shocking/surprising/secret characters and events on their hidden side. We decided to investigate each cover and share with you, the Multiversity reader, just how shocking or game changing each cover is. This is “What the Friday?: Week One.”
What was the surprise? Batgirl is attempting to kill James Jr.
Is it truly surprising? Actually, yeah.
Does it make sense, in story? It does, but it is a big, and not entirely logical, step forward for the character.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? I had dropped “Batgirl” a few months ago because, frankly, it wasn’t doing much for me. But this issue has set up a totally new dynamic for Babs in the New 52, and I think I may be curious as to where it brings her.
What was the surprise? That Bruce Wayne is pointing a gun at Jim Gordon.
Is it truly surprising? If there was any chance of that really being Wayne, yes.
Does it make sense, in story? It does, and for all the reasons you’ve probably already guessed yourself.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? The good story does; the reveal is interesting enough to at least consider it.
What was the surprise? That Batman’s “new partner” might be Carrie Kelly, the Robin from “The Dark Knight Returns”
Is it truly surprising? Bringing her into the DCnU is an odd move, for sure, even if she was never going to be Batman’s partner.
Does it make sense, in story? Sort of – to be fair, this is my least favorite kind of wink to an audience. If anyone out there hasn’t read “The Dark Knight Returns,” which must be a significant chunk of the younger comics reading audience, the character means nothing to them. If they have read it, than this is a one panel gag.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Despite not liking that aspect of the comic, the rest of it was very, very good. Peter Tomasi is showing Bruce as a grieving father, and it is a touching angle to take. I will be back next month, but could not care less about Kelly.
What was the surprise? The Spectre shows up for the first time since “Phantom Stranger” #0
Is it truly surprising? It is an unexpected guest star, but the Spectre sort of fits into the Constantine cast of characters.
Does it make sense, in story? It does, even if his weird costume doesn’t.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? The first two issues of the series have been ok – and the Spectre isn’t joining the cast of the book, so that has no real bearing on my decision. I like Fawkes and Lemire, so I’ll keep reading.
What was the surprise? Deathstroke’s entire clan shows up
Is it truly surprising? Sort of? Who would ever guess that a character’s family would pop up in his own series?
Does it make sense, in story? Sure
Does this make me want to read the next issue? No – I’ve enjoyed Justin Jordan’s “Deathstroke” more than the prior incarnations, but this story is leaving me cold.
What was the surprise? Ystin gets bitten by Cain!
Is it truly surprising? I guess so – since this book is so far removed, story-wise, from everything else in the New 52, it is hard to consider anything too surprising, as there aren’t tethers to other books/plots.
Does it make sense, in story? Yes
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Not particularly.
What was the surprise? Mogo returns!
Is it truly surprising? This has been teased in the past, but it is still a nice surprise to see our pal back.
Does it make sense, in story? Certainly
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Next issue brings the conclusion of the Tomasi/Pasarin era, so yes.
What was the surprise? The return of the Animal-Mineral-Vegetable Man!
Is it truly surprising? The return of a Doom Patrol villain is always pretty surprising.
Does it make sense, in story? “The Ravagers” is the outpost for a lot of weird shit that doesn’t fit elsewhere, so sure.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Nope.
What was the surprise? The Unknown Soldier joins the team
Is it truly surprising? Yes – I don’t think he was on anyone’s short list for “future Suicide Squad members.”
Does it make sense, in story? Not yet, but who knows? This isn’t the hardest book to make jumps of logic work in.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Sort of, yeah.
What was the surprise? Superboy is a clone of Superman and…Lois Lane?
Is it truly surprising? I’d say so – conventional wisdom presumed that Lex Luthor was still part of his DNA.
Does it make sense, in story? It does – Scott Lobdell (and I can’t believe I’m writing this) does a really nice job with this issue.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Even if Lobdell was still writing it, I would, but Justin Jordan is coming on, so I do even more so!
What was the surprise? Funny you ask – I think the surprise should have been that Pandora was going to appear, but that was revealed on the outer cover – the “inner” surprise is Majestic, formerly Mr. Majestic, the WildStorm character is back (even though he returned last issue).
Is it truly surprising? Not really.
Does it make sense, in story? Sure.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? Not particularly.
What was the surprise? Brainiac, yo!
Is it truly surprising? Yes – i mean, Brainiac in space isn’t an unheard of concept, but I didn’t see it coming.
Does it make sense, in story? Sure – again, Brainiac in space isn’t such an odd concept.
Does this make me want to read the next issue? A little bit.
